HBO Max has now launched, bringing yet another streaming service into the fold to compete against Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+ and whatever else you maybe using to consume content these days (but definitely not Quibi). And with the launch of HBO Max comes the question, what is HBO Max? Given the name you may be confused as to how it differs from HBO Now or HBO Go, but if you’ve had a chance to look at the library of movies and TV shows included, you know it’s actually a pretty robust competitor to the top tier streaming services.
So if you’re new to HBO Max or still have no clue what it is, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the streaming service from what’s on it to how much it costs to whether it’s even worth getting. Let’s dig in.
Is It Just HBO?
It is not! HBO Max is actually a WarnerMedia streaming service, but the conglomerate chose the name “HBO Max” because of the brand recognition of HBO—a pay cable channel that WarnerMedia owns. HBO Max does include the entire HBO library, and you automatically get HBO Max if you subscribe to HBO through one of these cable providers, but HBO Max also includes much, much more than just HBO shows.
HBO Max vs. HBO Now vs. HBO Go
What is the difference between HBO Max, HBO Now and HBO Go? Well the latter two predate the existence of HBO Max and serve different purposes.
HBO Go is a streaming service that is offered by HBO and is included free with your HBO subscription. Basically, you use HBO Go to watch HBO on a tablet or computer when you don’t want to (or can’t) turn on your TV, but it’s only available if you already have HBO through cable.
HBO Now is the standalone streaming service that allows people to watch HBO content without having to get cable. If you are currently an HBO Now subscriber, you also get access to HBO Max at no additional cost. Click here to find out how to convert your HBO Now account to an HBO Max account.
HBO Max is a new standalone streaming platform. Think of it as Netflix but it comes fully locked and loaded with every HBO TV show ever made and a bevy of Warner Bros. movies.
How Much Does It Cost?
HBO Max is available for $14.99 per month. If you’re a new HBO customer, you can receive a free seven-day trial before you get billed $14.99.
What's On It?
A lot. The entire library of HBO shows past and present—from The Sopranos to Game of Thrones to Barry—is on HBO Max. There are also over 1,000 movies available to stream, which include new release Warner Bros. films like Aquaman and A Star Is Born and Good Boys and library titles. Oh, and it’s the only place you can stream all the Harry Potter movies. And in terms of acquisitions, HBO Max is the exclusive streaming home of the entire Studio Ghibli library and has a classic films selection courtesy of Turner Classic Movies that puts Netflix to shame. There’s also a ton of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim shows (including Rick and Morty), anime from Crunchyroll, Looney Tunes cartoons past and present in addition to classics like The Flintstones and The Jetsons, and of course DC movies like Wonder Woman, Joker, and Batman Returns.
HBO Max also has original content. The streaming service launched with the half-hour Anna Kendrick-fronted romantic comedy series Love Life, but other original shows confirmed for HBO Max include J.J. Abrams’ Justice League Dark and Michael Mann’s Tokyo Vice. HBO Max will also exclusively release Zack Snyder’s cut of Justice League in 2021, and will release the Seth Rogen comedy film An American Pickle.
Is It Good?
Well, it depends on what device you use. Unfortunately at launch day, HBO Max is unavailable on Roku or Amazon Fire, leading to much confusion and frustration. But if you subscribe to one of the cable providers that struck a deal with HBO Max or were able to download the app on your PS4, Xbox One, or Apple TV, then it’s actually pretty good!
The biggest asset HBO Max has is its library of content. All the HBO shows at your fingertips is great—there’s a reason the pay cable network has won copious Emmys. And the library of films is also, quite honestly, a pretty great rival to Netflix, which has been culling its herd of older films lately in favor of so-so Netflix originals. The selection of classic films on HBO Max is a huge draw, as is its robust lineup of kids and adult animation programming. Even the first HBO Max original, Love Life, is pretty good. So in terms of things you can actually watch, HBO Max is solid.
As for the UI, the ability to scroll through titles A-Z is a benefit and makes thumbing through the content easier, but there are still a few kinks to be worked out. HBO Max has the goods, but finding them can be a bit of a treasure hunt at times.
All in all, HBO Max is kind of like a “prestige” version of Netflix or Amazon. It still has commercial hits like Crazy Rich Asians and Joker, but if you’re looking for a streaming service that has a vast library of iconic classics and some of the best original TV shows of the past 20 years, it’s a very solid add to your subscription pile.